Kiosk for receiving and delivering packages

ABSTRACT

A computer server for a network-based transaction system is coupled to a kiosk via a data communications network. The kiosk includes a computer processor, an input device, an electronic display unit, a plurality of compartments, and a data communications port. The computer server receives input from a seller of an item. The input includes a listing of the item for sale on the network-based transaction system. The server identifies an available compartment from the plurality of compartments based on the size of the item for sale. The available compartment is configured to receive the item for sale from the seller. The server transmits an identification of the available compartment to the seller via the electronic display unit, and enables access to the available compartment by the seller.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. application Ser. No. 16/241,458, filed Jan. 7, 2019, which is acontinuation of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/918,987, filed Oct. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of andclaims the benefit of priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/139,172,filed Dec. 23, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to the field of computer technologyand, in a specific example embodiment, to a method and system forshipping an item.

BACKGROUND

Online marketplaces include many sellers listing items for sale. Buyersbuy these items and sellers ship the items to the buyer upon receipt ofpayment. The shipping process typically includes the seller packing theitem in a box, sealing it up, bringing it to the post office, fillingout the necessary forms, weighing it to calculate the postage, payingfor the postage, affixing the stamp on the box, and finally dropping thebox in the parcel deposit area. Because this inefficient shippingprocess entails many steps, it becomes a deterrent for sellers to list,sell, and ship their items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting a network system having aclient-server architecture configured for exchanging data over anetwork, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amarketplace application.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of akiosk application.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment ofa kiosk application.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to ship an item.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to return an item,

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to drop off an item for a local buyer.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to return an item from a local buyer.

FIG. 9 shows a ladder diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system.

FIG. 10 shows a ladder diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system for a local buyer.

FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amethod for operating a kiosk system.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a flow diagram illustrating another exampleembodiment of a method for operating a kiosk system.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment ofa kiosk system.

FIG. 14 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine, in the exampleform of a computer system, within which a set of instructions may beexecuted to cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

A system and method for dropping off an item at a kiosk are described.The kiosk includes a computer processor, an input device, a displaydevice, and a plurality of compartments for receiving items for sale. Acompartment in the kiosk is identified based at least on the size of theitem and perhaps other characteristics of the item. A lock code and anunlock code for the compartment in the kiosk are generated. Thecompartment becomes locked in response to receiving the lock code at thekiosk and opens in response to receiving the unlock code at the kiosk.The lock code and an identification of the compartment are communicatedto the seller of the item. The unlock code is communicated to the sellerof the item when the item fails to sell within a certain time period.The unlock code, identification of the compartment, and geographiclocation of the kiosk are transmitted to a purchaser of the item or anagent of the kiosk-owner/operator when the item is sold to thepurchaser.

System Architecture

FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting a network system 100 having aclient-server architecture configured for exchanging data over anetwork, according to one embodiment. For example, the network system100 may be a publication/publisher system where clients may communicateand exchange data within the network system 100. The data may pertain tovarious functions (e.g., online item purchases) and aspects (e.g.,managing content and user reputation values) associated with the networksystem 100 and its users. Although illustrated herein as a client-serverarchitecture, other embodiments may include other network architectures,such as peer-to-peer or distributed network environments.

A data exchange platform, in an example form of a marketplaceapplication 120 and a kiosk application 122, may provide server-sidefunctionality, via a network 104 (e.g., the Internet) to one or moreclients. The one or more clients may include users that utilize thenetwork system 100 and, more specifically, the marketplace application120 and the kiosk application 122, to exchange data over the network104. These transactions may include transmitting, receiving(communicating), and processing data to, from, and regarding content andusers of the network system 100. The data may include, but is notlimited to, content and user data such as user profiles; userattributes; product and service reviews and information, such as pricingand descriptive information; product, service, manufacturer, and vendorrecommendations and identifiers; product and service listings associatedwith buyers and sellers; auction bids; and transaction data, such ascollection and payment, shipping transactions, shipping label purchases,and real time synchronization of financial journals, among others.

In various embodiments, the data exchanges within the network system 100may be dependent upon user-selected functions available through one ormore client or user interfaces (UIs). The UIs may be associated with aclient machine, such as a client machine 110 using a web client 106. Theweb client 106 may be in communication with the marketplace application120 via a web server 116. The UIs may also be associated with a clientmachine 112 using a programmatic client 108, such as a clientapplication, or a third party server 130 with a third party application128. It can be appreciated that in various embodiments, the clientmachines 110, 112, or third party server 130 may be associated with abuyer, a seller, a third party electronic commerce platform, a paymentservice provider, a shipping service provider, or a financialinstitution system, each in communication with the networked system 102and optionally each other. The buyers and sellers may be any one ofindividuals, merchants, or service providers.

Turning specifically to the marketplace application 120 and the kioskapplication 122, an application program interface (API) server 114 and aweb server 116 are coupled to, and provide programmatic and webinterfaces respectively to, one or more application servers 118. Theapplication server 118 hosts one or more marketplace applications 120and one or more kiosk applications 122. The application server 118 is,in turn, shown to be coupled to one or more database servers 124 thatfacilitate access to one or more databases 126.

In one embodiment, the web server 116 and the API server 114 communicateand receive data pertaining to listings and transactions, among otherthings, via various user input tools. For example, the web server 116may send and receive data to and from a toolbar or webpage on a browserapplication (e.g., web client 106) operating on a client machine (e.g.,client machine 110). The API server 114 may send and receive data to andfrom an application (e.g., programmatic client 108 or third partyapplication 128) running on another client machine (e.g., client machine112 or 3^(rd) party server 130).

In one embodiment, the marketplace application 120 provides listings andprice-setting mechanisms whereby a user may be a seller or buyer wholists or buys goods and/or services (e.g., for sale) published on themarketplace application 120.

In one embodiment, the kiosk application 122 includes a system and amethod for identifying a compartment in the kiosk, and generating a codeto lock and a code to unlock to a seller of the marketplace application120. The location and size of the compartment may be based on the sizeof the item sold from the seller and the geographic location of theseller. In one embodiment, the kiosk application 122 includes a systemand a method for generating a shipping label for a shipping carrier, andfor communicating the code to unlock to the shipping carriercorresponding to the shipping label. The shipping carrier accesses theitem in the compartment using the code to unlock and packages the itemif the item is not disposed in a shipping package. The shipping label isthen affixed to the shipping package. The shipping carrier ships theitem to the buyer identified in the shipping label.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of themarketplace application 120. The marketplace application 120 may behosted on dedicated or shared server machines (not shown) that arecommunicatively coupled to enable communications between servermachines. The marketplace application 120 and the kiosk application 122themselves are communicatively coupled (e.g., via appropriateinterfaces) to each other and to various data sources, so as to allowinformation to be passed between the marketplace application 120 and thekiosk application 122 or so as to allow the marketplace application 120and the kiosk application 122 to share and access common data. Themarketplace application 120 and the kiosk application 122 may,furthermore, access one or more databases 126 via the database servers124.

The networked system 102 may provide a number of publishing, listing,and price-setting mechanisms whereby a seller may list (or publishinformation concerning) goods or services for sale; a buyer can expressinterest in or indicate a desire to purchase such goods or services; anda price can be set for a transaction pertaining to the goods orservices. To this end, the marketplace application 120 is shown toinclude at least one publication application 200 and one or more auctionapplications 202, which support auction-format listing and price settingmechanisms (e.g., English, Dutch, Vickrey, Chinese, Double, Reverseauctions, etc.). The various auction applications 202 may also provide anumber of features in support of such auction-format listings, such as areserve price feature whereby a seller may specify a reserve price inconnection with a listing and a proxy-bidding feature whereby a biddermay invoke automated proxy bidding.

A number of fixed-price applications 204 support fixed-price listingformats (e.g., the traditional classified advertisement-type listing ora catalogue listing) and buyout-type listings. Specifically, buyout-typelistings (e.g., including the Buy-It-Now (BIN) technology developed byeBay Inc., of San Jose, California) may be offered in conjunction withauction-format listings, and allow a buyer to purchase goods orservices, which are also being offered for sale via an auction, for afixed-price that is typically higher than the starting price of theauction.

Store applications 206 allow a seller to group listings within a“virtual” store, which may be branded and otherwise personalized by andfor the seller. Such a virtual store may also offer promotions,incentives, and features that are specific and personalized to arelevant seller.

Reputation applications 208 allow users who transact, utilizing thenetworked system 102, to establish, build, and maintain reputations,which may be made available and published to potential trading partners.For example, consider that where the networked system 102 supportsperson-to-person trading, users may have no history or other referenceinformation whereby the trustworthiness and credibility of potentialtrading partners may be assessed. The reputation applications 208 allowa user (for example, through feedback provided by other transactionpartners) to establish a reputation within the networked system 102 overtime. Other potential trading partners may then reference such areputation for the purposes of assessing credibility andtrustworthiness.

Personalization applications 210 allow users of the networked system 102to personalize various aspects of their interactions with the networkedsystem 102. For example a user may, utilizing an appropriatepersonalization application 210, create a personalized reference page inwhich information regarding transactions to which the user is (or hasbeen) a party may be viewed. Further, a personalization application 210may enable a user to personalize listings and other aspects of theirinteractions with the networked system 102 and other parties.

The networked system 102 may support a number of marketplaces that arecustomized, for example, for specific geographic regions. A version ofthe networked system 102 may be customized for the United Kingdom,whereas another version of the networked system 102 may be customizedfor the United States. Each of these versions may operate as anindependent marketplace or may be customized (or internationalized)presentations of a common underlying marketplace. The networked system102 may, accordingly, include a number of internationalizationapplications 212 that customize information (and/or the presentation ofinformation) by the networked system 102 according to predeterminedcriteria (e.g., geographic, demographic or marketplace criteria). Forexample, the internationalization applications 212 may be used tosupport the customization of information for a number of regionalwebsites that are operated by the networked system 102 and that areaccessible via respective web servers 116.

Navigation of the networked system 102 may be facilitated by one or morenavigation applications 214. For example, a search application (as anexample of a navigation application 214) may enable key word searches oflistings published via the networked system 102. A browse applicationmay allow users to browse various category, catalogue, or inventory datastructures according to which listings may be classified within thenetworked system 102. Various other navigation applications 214 may beprovided to supplement the search and browsing applications.

In order to make listings available via the networked system 102 asvisually informing and attractive as possible, the marketplaceapplication 120 and the kiosk application 122 may include one or moreimaging applications 216, which users may utilize to upload images forinclusion within the listings. An imaging application 216 also operatesto incorporate images within viewed listings. The imaging applications216 may also support one or more promotional features, such as imagegalleries that are presented to potential buyers. For example, sellersmay pay an additional fee to have an image included within a gallery ofimages for promoted items.

Listing creation applications 218 allow sellers to conveniently authorlistings pertaining to goods or services that they wish to transact viathe networked system 102, and listing management applications 220 allowsellers to manage such listings. Specifically, where a particular sellerhas authored and/or published a large number of listings, the managementof such listings may present a challenge. The listing managementapplications 220 provide a number of features (e.g., auto-relisting,inventory level monitors, etc.) to assist the seller in managing suchlistings. One or more post-listing management applications 222 alsoassist sellers with a number of activities that typically occurpost-listing. For example, upon completion of an auction facilitated byone or more auction applications 202, a seller may wish to leavefeedback regarding a particular buyer. To this end, a post-listingmanagement application 222 may provide an interface to one or morereputation applications 208, so as to allow the seller to convenientlyprovide feedback regarding multiple buyers to the reputationapplications 208.

Dispute resolution applications 224 provide mechanisms whereby disputesarising between transacting parties may be resolved. For example, thedispute resolution applications 224 may provide guided procedureswhereby the parties are guided through a number of steps in an attemptto settle a dispute. In the event that the dispute cannot be settled viathe guided procedures, the dispute may be escalated to a third partymediator or arbitrator.

A number of fraud prevention applications 226 implement fraud detectionand prevention mechanisms to reduce the occurrence of fraud within thenetworked system 102.

Messaging applications 228 are responsible for the generation anddelivery of messages to users of the networked system 102 (such as, forexample, messages advising users regarding the status of listings at thenetworked system 102 (e.g., providing “outbid” notices to bidders duringan auction process or to provide promotional and merchandisinginformation to users)). Respective messaging applications 228 mayutilize any one of a number of message delivery networks and platformsto deliver messages to users. For example, messaging applications 228may deliver electronic mail (e-mail), instant message (LM), ShortMessage Service (SMS), text, facsimile, or voice (e.g., Voice over IP(VoIP)) messages via the wired (e.g., the Internet), plain old telephoneservice (POTS), or wireless (e.g., mobile, cellular, WiFi, WiWAX)networks.

Merchandising applications 230 support various merchandising functionsthat are made available to sellers to enable sellers to increase salesvia the networked system 102. The merchandising applications 230 alsooperate the various merchandising features that may be invoked bysellers, and may monitor and track the success of merchandisingstrategies employed by sellers.

The networked system 102 itself, or one or more parties that transactvia the networked system 102, may operate loyalty programs that aresupported by one or more loyalty/promotions applications 232. Forexample, a buyer may earn loyalty or promotion points for eachtransaction established and/or concluded with a particular seller, andmay be offered a reward for which accumulated loyalty points can beredeemed.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of thekiosk application 122. The kiosk application 122 may include acompartment identifier module 302, a code generator module 304, acompartment communication module 306, a seller communication module 308,a shipping label generator module 310, and a shipping carriercommunication module 312.

The compartment identifier module 302 identifies a compartment based onan item (e.g., physical dimensions or size of the item, value of theitem). In an embodiment, the seller enters data about the item at aninput device at the kiosk, and the compartment identifier module 302identifies an appropriate compartment for the item. If the seller doesnot provide a physical size and/or weight of the item, the compartmentidentifier module 302 can be configured to determine the size and henceappropriate compartment for the item. For example, if the sellerindicates that he or she would like to sell a mobile device, thecompartment identifier module 302 can intelligently determine anappropriate compartment of smaller size for the mobile device. Inanother embodiment, the compartment identifier module 302 identifies acompartment based on other factors such as compartment availability, theranking or reputation of the seller in the marketplace application 120,the time of listing from the seller, and whether the seller hasrequested a special sized compartment.

In another example, the compartment identifier module 302 identifies thephysical dimensions of the item based on an identification of the itemfrom the seller. The compartment identifier module 302 then determinesavailable lockers with sizes large enough to fit the item based on thephysical dimensions of the item.

In another example, the compartment identifier module 302 may request,from the seller, the physical dimensions of the item or the physicaldimensions of a package used to ship the item. The compartmentidentifier module 302 then determines available compartments with sizeslarge enough to fit the item based on the physical dimensions of theitem or based on the physical dimensions of the package.

The code generator module 304 generates a lock code and an unlock codefor the compartment identified by the compartment identifier module 302.The compartment may close or become locked in response to receiving thelock code. The compartment may open or become unlocked in response toreceiving the unlock code.

In one embodiment, the compartment receives the lock code and the unlockcodes via a keypad located near the compartment. The seller may inputthe lock code using the keypad located near the compartment. In anotherembodiment, the compartment may receive the lock code remotely from amobile device of the seller. For example, the seller may activate thelock code on his or her mobile device when in proximity to thecompartment or kiosk. The mobile device may communicate indirectly withthe compartment activate the locking via a computer network (e.g.,Internet). For example, the mobile device of the seller may communicatethe lock code (e.g., that is unique to every compartment and valid for aone time usage) to a server in communication with the compartment. Afterthe server validates the lock code from the mobile device, the serverinstructs the compartment to lock accordingly. In another embodiment,the mobile device of the seller may communicate directly with thecompartment via infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or any other wirelessmeans and send the lock code directly to the compartment.

Similarly, a delivery person from a shipping carrier may manually enterthe unlock code on the keypad of the kiosk or compartment to unlock thecompartment and access the item. The delivery person may, similarly, usea communication device to communicate the unlock code directly orindirectly to the kiosk to unlock the compartment.

In one embodiment, the code generator module 304 generates lock codesand unlock codes that are unique and expire within a predefined amountof time from the time they are generated. For example, a lock code, ifnot used within a day, may become void and can no longer be used to locka compartment.

In another embodiment, the code generator module 304 may access a uniqueidentifier to the seller. The unique identifier may be used to lock andunlock the compartment. The unique identifier includes a random tokengenerated by the code generator module 304 or may be based on biometricfeatures of the seller, and unique information of the seller such as theseller's driver's license number or social security number.

The compartment communication module 306 may communicate the uniqueidentifier or unique information to the compartment (corresponding tothe compartment identified by the compartment identifier module 302) sothat when the compartment receives the unique identifier, thecompartment operates to be locked or unlocked accordingly (e.g., doorsmay open or close automatically, a lock on the corresponding compartmentdoor may be activated or deactivated). In one embodiment, thecompartment communication module 306 sends locking data (e.g., lockcode, unlock code, seller information, shipping carrier information,among others). For example, the compartment communication module 306 maysend information data from the driver's license of the seller or acredit card of the seller. The seller may only have to swipe hisdriver's license or credit card at a device connected to the compartmentto lock or unlock it without having to enter any code on any keypad ofthe compartment.

The compartment communication module 306 may receive status dataregarding a status of the compartment. For example, the status data mayindicate whether the compartment is opened or closed, whether a sensorinside the compartment detects an item inside it, whether a compartmentis activated or deactivated, the time and date the compartment wasactivated, the time and date the compartment was locked or unlocked, theinformation received at the compartment (e.g, code entered, magnetic barcode from an ID or a credit card). In one embodiment, the compartmentcommunication module 306 receives the lock or unlock code from thecompartment and determines the validity of the lock or unlock code. Inanother embodiment, the validation of the lock code or unlock code isperformed at the kiosk or compartment instead of at the kioskapplication 122. For example, the compartment communication module 306does not receive the lock or unlock code from the compartment, but onlyreceives an indication of whether the compartment has been opened orclosed.

The seller communication module 308 communicates the information of thecompartment to the seller in response to the seller requesting to dropoff an item for sale at the kiosk. For example, the information mayinclude an identification of the compartment (e.g., compartment A2), anda lock code to lock the compartment (or an unlock code to open thecompartment door).

In another embodiment, the seller communication module 308 receivesinformation of the item from the seller. For example, the informationmay include an identification of the item (e.g., digital player brand xmodel y), the physical dimensions of the item (e.g., size of the actualitem or package containing the item), value of the item (e.g., sellprice), and so forth.

The shipping label generator 310 may generate a shipping label for ashipping carrier based on the size and weight of the item, the addressof the buyer, the type of shipping service selected by the seller (e.g.,overnight, express, saver, ground), the value of the item, and whetherthe item is insured for shipping. The shipping label generator 310 maycommunicate with a shipping carrier server (not shown) to generate theshipping label and a tracking number.

The shipping carrier communication module 312 communicates theinformation of the kiosk and compartment to the shipping carrier. Forexample, the information may include the geographic location of thekiosk (e.g., store ABC at 123 Main St.), an identification of thecompartment (e.g., compartment A2), and an unlock code to unlock thecorresponding compartment.

The shipping carrier communication module 312 may also receiveinformation from the shipping label generator module 310 to generate theshipping label. The shipping carrier may then affix the shipping labelto the item from the compartment. In another embodiment, the shippingcarrier communication module 312 may receive the shipping label from theshipping carrier communication module 312 and affix the label to theitem from the compartment.

In another embodiment, the shipping carrier communication module 312 mayalso receive information of the item. The shipping carrier may identifya box that is large enough to accommodate the item.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment ofthe kiosk application 122. The kiosk application 122 may include acompartment identifier module 402, a code generator module 404, acompartment communication module 406, a seller communication module 408,a local transaction module 410, a payment validator module 412, and abuyer communication module 414.

The code generator module 404 may operate similarly to the codegenerator module 304 of FIG. 3 . The compartment communication module406 may operate similarly to the locker communication module 306. Theseller communication module 408 may operate similarly to sellercommunication module 308.

The payment validator module 412 may verify that the online marketplacehas received and processed a payment from the buyer. Upon validation ofthe payment, the buyer communication module 414 sends information of thekiosk and compartment to the buyer. For example, the information mayinclude the geographic location of the kiosk (e.g., store ABC at 123Main St.), an identification of the compartment (e.g., compartment A2),and an unlock code to unlock the corresponding compartment.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to ship an item. A seller 502 may list anitem for sale with the online marketplace server 504. The seller 502 maycommunicate information about the item (e.g., model, size, weight) tothe online marketplace server 504. The online marketplace server 504 mayreceive an order for the item from a buyer 518.

The kiosk application 506 of the online marketplace server 504identifies the item and, if needed, determines a shipping carrier toprocess the shipping of the item. In one embodiment, the kioskapplication 506 generates a compartment identifier, a lock code, and anunlock code. The compartment identifier may include a geographiclocation of the kiosk (for the shipper's and buyer's benefit) and anidentification of the compartment.

The kiosk application 506 communicates the compartment identifier, thelock code, and the unlock code to the kiosk 508. In one embodiment, thekiosk application 506 communicates a compartment identifier and a lockcode to the seller 502. The lock code allows the seller 502 to lock theitem in the corresponding compartment.

In one embodiment, the kiosk 508 includes a compartment actuator 510, akeypad 512, and an online marketplace communication module 514. Theseller 502 puts the item in the corresponding compartment 508 and entersthe lock code into the keypad 512 of the kiosk 508. In response to thelock code, the compartment actuator 510 locks a door of the kiosk 508.The online marketplace communication module 514 may be configured tocommunicate with the kiosk application 506. For example, the onlinemarketplace communication module 514 receives the lock code, the unlockcode, and an identification of the kiosk 508. In one embodiment, theonline marketplace communication module 514 notifies the kioskapplication 506 of the status of the compartment actuator 510. Forexample, the online marketplace communication module 514 may notify thekiosk application 506 of the time and date when the compartment 508 hasbeen locked and unlocked.

The kiosk application 506 also communicates the location of the kiosk508, the compartment identifier, the unlock code, and item informationto the corresponding shipping carrier 516. A carrier from the shippingcarrier 516 may retrieve the item from the compartment 508 by enteringthe unlock code into the keypad 512 from the corresponding kiosk 508. Inone embodiment, the shipping carrier 516 packages the item with acontainer having a size based on the item information.

In one embodiment, the kiosk application 506 also generates a shippinglabel for the shipping carrier 516. The shipping carrier 516 may affixthe shipping label, received from the kiosk application 506, to thecontainer.

The shipping carrier 516 may process and deliver the package orcontainer to the buyer 518 according to the shipping service specifiedon the shipping label.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to return an item. The buyer 602 may submita request to the online marketplace server 604 to return an item thatwas sold by a seller 618 on the online marketplace server 604. The kioskapplication 606 may identify an available kiosk 608 that isgeographically in proximity to the address of the buyer 602. The kiosk608 may include a compartment actuator 610, a keypad 612, and an onlinemarketplace communication module 614. The kiosk application 606 maycommunicate a location of the kiosk 608, a compartment identifier, and alock code.

The buyer 602 puts the item in the corresponding compartment 608 andlocks it in the compartment 608 with the lock code provided from thekiosk application 606. In one embodiment, the buyer 602 enters the lockcode on the keypad 612. In response to validating the lock code, thecompartment actuator 610 locks the compartment of the kiosk 608. Theonline marketplace communication module 614 may generate a notificationto the kiosk application 606 that the compartment of the kiosk 608 hasbeen locked.

The shipping carrier 616 receives a shipping label, a location of thekiosk 608, an unlock code, and a return identifier. The kioskapplications 606 also communicate the return identifier to the seller618. The shipping carrier 616 may unlock the compartment of the kiosk608 by entering the unlock code on the keypad 612. The shipping carrier616 then picks up the item from the compartment of the kiosk 608 andpackages the item with the shipping label and return identifier receivedfrom the kiosk application 606. The shipping carrier 616 then processesthe shipping and delivers the item to the seller 618.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system when the buyer is a local buyer. A seller702 may list an item for sale on the online marketplace server 704. Theonline marketplace server 704 also receives an order for the same itemfrom a buyer 716.

The kiosk application 706 determines the distance between the seller 702and the buyer 716. If the distance between the seller 702 and the buyer716 is less than a threshold distance, the kiosk application 706 maydetermine that the transaction between the buyer 716 and the seller 702is a local transaction. The kiosk application 706 then determines thatthe kiosk 708 is in the same general locale as the buyer.

The kiosk 708 may include a compartment actuator 710, a keypad 712, andan online marketplace communication 714 module. The seller 702 receivesinformation about the kiosk 708. The information may include acompartment identifier and a lock code. The seller 702 may put the itemin the identified compartment of the kiosk 708 without any packagingmaterial and secure a door of the compartment using the lock code. Theonline marketplace communication module 714 may notify the kioskapplication 706 of the status of the compartment of the kiosk 708 (e.g.,closed and locked, closed and unlocked, opened and unlocked, opened andlocked).

The kiosk application 706 may communicate a location of the kiosk 708,the compartment identifier, and the unlock code to the buyer 716. Thebuyer 716 may retrieve the item from the compartment of the kiosk 708using the unlock code provided by the kiosk application 706.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system to return an item from a local buyer. Abuyer 802 may submit a request to an online marketplace server 804 toreturn an item back to a seller 816.

The kiosk application 806 may determine that the transaction between theseller 816 and the buyer 802 is a local transaction. For example, if thedistance between the seller 816 and the buyer 802 is less than athreshold distance, the kiosk application 806 may determine that thetransaction between the buyer 802 and the seller 816 is a localtransaction. The kiosk application 806 identifies the kiosk that theseller 816 originally used as the kiosk 808 that will be used by thebuyer 802.

The kiosk 808 may include a compartment actuator 810, a keypad 812, andan online marketplace communication module 814. The buyer 802 receivesinformation about the kiosk 808. The information may include ageographic location of the kiosk 808, a compartment identifier, and alock code. The buyer 802 may put the item in a compartment of the kiosk808 without any packaging material and secure a door of the compartmentof the kiosk 808 using the lock code. The online marketplacecommunication module 814 may notify the kiosk application 806 of thestatus of the compartment of the kiosk 808 (e.g., closed and locked,closed and unlocked, opened and unlocked, opened and locked).

The kiosk application 806 may communicate the locker identifier, theunlock code, and a return identifier to the seller 816. The seller 816may retrieve the item from the compartment of the kiosk 808 using theunlock code provided by the kiosk application 806.

FIG. 9 shows a ladder diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system. Using a kiosk, or a mobile device that isin communication with a marketplace application and/or kiosk, a seller902 lists an item for sale at operation 912. At operation 914, themarketplace application 904 identifies a compartment of the kiosk 906.The marketplace application 904 communicates the compartment identifier,a lock code, and an unlock code to the kiosk 906. At operation 916, themarketplace application 904 communicates the compartment identifier andthe lock code to the seller 902. At operation 918, a buyer 910 places anorder for the item from the seller 902 on the marketplace application904. At operation 920, the marketplace application 904 communicates thekiosk and compartment identifier, the unlock code, and a shipping labelto the corresponding shipping carrier 908. At operation 922, theshipping carrier 908 picks up the item from the kiosk 906 and packagesthe item with the shipping label received from the marketplaceapplication 904. In one embodiment, the shipping carrier 908 may notifythe marketplace application 904 that the item has been picked up. Inanother embodiment, the kiosk 906 may notify the marketplace application904 that the item has been picked up by the shipping carrier 908. Atoperation 924, the shipping carrier 908 processes the package accordingto the shipping service specified on the shipping label and ships thepackage to the buyer 910.

FIG. 10 shows a ladder diagram illustrating one example embodiment of anoperation of a kiosk system for a local buyer. At operation 1010, aseller 1002 lists an item for sale using a marketplace application 1004and/or kiosk 1006. At operation 1012, the marketplace application 1004identifies a compartment of the kiosk 1006 and generates a compartmentidentifier, a lock code, and an unlock code. In one embodiment, themarketplace application 1004 identifies the compartment of the kiosk1006 after receiving an order from a buyer 1008. In another embodiment,the marketplace application 1004 identifies a compartment of the kiosk1006 before receiving an order from the buyer 1008.

The marketplace application 1004 may communicate the lock code andunlock code for the corresponding compartment identifier to the locker1006. At operation 1014, the marketplace application 1004 communicatesthe compartment identifier and the lock code to the seller 1002. Atoperation 1016, the marketplace application 1004 receives an order froma buyer 1008 for the item listed by the seller 1002. In one embodiment,upon validation and verification of the payment from the buyer 1008, themarketplace application 1004 communicates the kiosk and compartmentidentifier and the unlock code at operation 1018. At operation 1020, thebuyer 1008 accesses the item from the compartment of the kiosk 1006using the unlock code and retrieves the item.

FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram illustrating one example embodiment of amethod 1100 for operating a kiosk system. At operation 1102, an itemlisting is received at a kiosk from a seller. In one embodiment, thisoperation may be implemented with the marketplace application 120.

At operation 1104, an available compartment in the kiosk is identified.In one embodiment, this operation may be implemented with thecompartment identifier module 302 of the kiosk application 122 of FIG. 3.

At operation 1106, an order for the item is received from a buyer. Inone embodiment, this operation may be implemented with the marketplaceapplication 120.

At operation 1108, a kiosk and compartment identifier, a lock code,unlock code, and a shipping label corresponding to a shipping carrierare generated. In one embodiment, this operation may be implemented withthe code generator module 304 of the kiosk application 122. In anotherembodiment, this operation may also be implemented with the compartmentcommunication module 306. The compartment communication module 306 maycommunicate the kiosk and compartment identifier, the lock code, and theunlock code to the locker.

At operation 1110, the kiosk and compartment identifier and the lockcode are sent to the seller. In one embodiment, this operation may beimplemented with the seller communication module 308.

At operation 1112, the kiosk and compartment identifier, the unlockcode, and the shipping label are sent to the corresponding shippingcarrier. In one embodiment, this operation may be implemented with theshipping carrier communication module 312.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a flow diagram illustrating one exampleembodiment of a method 1200 for operating a kiosk system. At operation1202, an item listing is received from a seller at a kiosk or via aseller's mobile device that is in communication with the kiosk. In oneembodiment, this operation may be implemented with the marketplaceapplication 120.

At operation 1204, an available compartment of the kiosk is identified.The available compartment is configured to receive the item for sale.For example, the configuration may relate to the issue of whether thecompartment is large enough to receive and hold the item for sale. Afterthe identification of the available compartment, at 1206, theidentification of the available compartment is transmitted to the sellervia an electronic display unit on the kiosk. In one embodiment, thisoperation may be implemented with the seller communication module 308.The seller may then operate the compartment identified with thecompartment identifier using a lock code that may include a revocableauthentication token of the seller. For example, the revocableauthentication token may include credentials entered on a touchscreen atthe kiosk. The credentials may include an alphanumeric code, a usernameand password related to the online marketplace, or any otherauthentication token. In another embodiment, the revocableauthentication token may include a wireless identifier of a mobiledevice of the seller so that the locker can operate the compartment bywaving his mobile device in front of the corresponding compartment. Thekiosk may then communicate with the kiosk application 122 to verify theidentity of the seller and validate the authentication token. Thecompartment may operate to lock after receiving a validation from thekiosk application 122. At 1208, access to the available compartment bythe seller is then enabled. In one embodiment, these operations may beimplemented with the compartment identifier module 302 of the kioskapplication 122 of FIG. 3 .

At 1220, the kiosk receives an input from a network-based transactionsystem indicating a purchase of the item or indicating an expiration ofa time period allotted for the purchase of the item. In one embodiment,this operation may be implemented with the marketplace application 120.

At 1222, the input from the network-based transaction system indicatesthe purchase of the item. When the input from the network-basedtransaction system indicates a purchase of the item, the kiosk and/orthe marketplace application executes the following. At 1222A, anelectronic message is transmitted to an agent of the network-basedtransaction system indicating the purchase of the item. The agent can bean employee of the network-based transaction system, a contractor of thenetwork-based transaction system, an employee or agent of a shipping anddelivery service, and/or a U.S. Postal employee, just to name a fewexamples. At 1222B, the kiosk receives input from the agent of thenetwork-based transaction system. This input can be received via atouchscreen or a keypad for example. At 1222C, in response to the inputfrom the agent of the network-based transaction system, access to theavailable compartment is enabled for removal of the item from theavailable compartment for delivery of the item to a purchaser of theitem. This embodiment is best suited when the seller and the buyer arenot located in the same locale or geographic area.

Additionally, when the input at 1222 indicates the purchase of the item,the kiosk and/or marketplace application executes the following. At1222D, input is received from the purchaser of the item at the kiosk.The input can be an unlock code that the marketplace application sent tothe buyer after the buyer's purchase of the item. At 1222E, theidentification of the available compartment that now contains the itemis displayed to the purchaser on the electronic display unit of thekiosk. At 1222F, access to the available compartment with the item isenabled for access by the purchaser of the item. This embodiment is bestsuited when the seller and buyer are in the same locale or geographicarea.

At 1224, the input received at the kiosk from the marketplaceapplication indicates an expiration of a time period allotted for thepurchase of the item on the network-based transaction system. In thisembodiment, the kiosk and/or the marketplace application transactionsystem execute the following. At 1224A, an electronic message istransmitted to the seller informing the seller of the expiration of thetime period allotted to sell the item. At 1224B, input is received fromthe seller, and at 1224C, access is enabled to the available compartmentthat contains the item for sale by the seller for retrieval of the item.

Alternatively, when the input at 1224 indicates an expiration of thetime period allotted for purchase of the item on the network-basedtransaction system, then at 1224D, input is received from the sellerindicating that the seller will not retrieve the item from the kiosk.This embodiment allows a seller to “not bother with” the item andabandon the item. The agent of the network-based transaction system canthen retrieve the item, and dispose of the item as refuse, via acharitable donation, or some other means. In an embodiment, the sellercan be charged a fee for this disposal.

Block 1230 illustrates that the kiosk can include an inventory ofpackaging and shipping material that is available to an agent of thenetwork-based transaction system for packaging and shipping the item toa purchaser. At 1230A, the kiosk can include a printer, and can generatea shipping label for shipping the item to the purchaser.

Block 1235 illustrates that the kiosk can include a weight scale. Thescale can be used by the seller or the agent to weigh the item anddetermine the cost of shipping of the item.

As noted above, the input at the kiosk from the seller includes alisting of the item. In an embodiment, the listing includes adescription of the item and an image of the item. The image of the itemis normally a digital photograph of the item. As illustrated at 1240,the kiosk can include a built-in camera so that the seller or agent cantake a picture of the item for the listing of the item on thenetwork-based transaction system. The camera can be mounted in proximityto the electronic display unit of the kiosk.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of another example embodiment of akiosk 1300 for use in connection with a marketplace application of anetwork-based transaction system. The kiosk includes a computerprocessor 1310. The computer processor is communicatively coupled toseveral kiosk components including an input device 1320, an electronicdisplay unit 1330, a plurality of storage compartments 1340, and acommunication port 1350. The input device 1320 can include a keyboard, akeypad, a mouse, a touch screen, a bar code reader, etc. Thecommunication port is configured to couple the computer processor to adata communications network and the marketplace application of thenetwork-based transaction system.

Modules, Components and Logic

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a numberof components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute eithersoftware modules (e.g., code embodied (1) on a non-transitorymachine-readable medium or (2) in a transmission signal) orhardware-implemented modules. A hardware-implemented module is atangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may beconfigured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, oneor more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client, or server computersystem) or one or more processors may be configured by software (e.g.,an application or application portion) as a hardware-implemented modulethat operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware-implemented module may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware-implementedmodule may comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanentlyconfigured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware-implementedmodule may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., asencompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmableprocessor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certainoperations. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement ahardware-implemented module mechanically, in dedicated and permanentlyconfigured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g.,configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware-implemented module” should be understoodto encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily ortransitorily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certainmanner and/or to perform certain operations described herein.Considering embodiments in which hardware-implemented modules aretemporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of thehardware-implemented modules need not be configured or instantiated atany one instance in time. For example, where the hardware-implementedmodules comprise a general-purpose processor configured using software,the general-purpose processor may be configured as respectivelydifferent hardware-implemented modules at different times. Software may,accordingly, configure a processor, for example, to constitute aparticular hardware-implemented module at one instance of time and toconstitute a different hardware-implemented module at a differentinstance of time.

Hardware-implemented modules can provide information to, and receiveinformation from, other hardware-implemented modules. Accordingly, thedescribed hardware-implemented modules may be regarded as beingcommunicatively coupled. Where multiples of such hardware-implementedmodules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved throughsignal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses thatconnect the hardware-implemented modules). In embodiments in whichmultiple hardware-implemented modules are configured or instantiated atdifferent times, communications between such hardware-implementedmodules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrievalof information in memory structures to which the multiplehardware-implemented modules have access. For example, onehardware-implemented module may perform an operation, and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware-implemented module may then,at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process thestored output. Hardware-implemented modules may also initiatecommunications with input or output devices and can operate on aresource (e.g., a collection of information).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modulesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modulesreferred to herein may, in some example embodiments, compriseprocessor-implemented modules.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partiallyprocessor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of amethod may be performed by one or more processors orprocessor-implemented modules. The performance of certain of theoperations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not onlyresiding within a single machine, but deployed across a number ofmachines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors maybe located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, anoffice environment, or as a server farm), while in other embodiments theprocessors may be distributed across a number of locations.

The one or more processors may also operate to support performance ofthe relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a“software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of theoperations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples ofmachines including processors), with these operations being accessiblevia a network 104 (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriateinterfaces (e.g., APIs).

Electronic Apparatus and System

Example embodiments may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry,or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.Example embodiments may be implemented using a computer program product,(e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier,e.g., in a machine-readable medium for execution by, or to control theoperation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor,a computer, or multiple computers).

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed inany form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, subroutine,or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiplecomputers at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

In example embodiments, operations may be performed by one or moreprogrammable processors executing a computer program to performfunctions by operating on input data and generating output. Methodoperations can also be performed by, and apparatus of exampleembodiments may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry,e.g., a FPGA or an ASIC.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. Inembodiments deploying a programmable computing system, it will beappreciated that both hardware and software architectures requireconsideration. Specifically, it will be appreciated that the choice ofwhether to implement certain functionality in permanently configuredhardware (e.g., an ASIC), in temporarily configured hardware (e.g., acombination of software and a programmable processor), or a combinationof permanently and temporarily configured hardware, may be a designchoice. Below, are set out hardware (e.g., machine) and softwarearchitectures that may be deployed in various example embodiments.

Example Computer System

FIG. 14 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system 1400 within which a set of instructions 1424may be executed causing the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein. In alternative embodiments, the machineoperates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) toother machines a networked deployment, the machine may operate in thecapacity of a server or a client machine 110 or 112 in a server-clientnetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switchor bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions1424 (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatmachine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term“machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines thatindividually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions1424 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 1400 includes a processor 1402 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, orboth)), a main memory 1404 and a static memory 1406, which communicatewith each other via a bus 1408. The computer system 1400 may furtherinclude a video display unit 1410 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 1400 also includes analphanumeric input device 1412 (e.g., a keyboard), a UI navigationdevice 1414 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1416, a signal generationdevice 1418 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 1420.

The disk drive unit 1416 includes a machine-readable medium 1422 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures(e.g., software 1424) embodying or utilized by any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1424 mayalso reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1404 and/or within the processor 1402 during execution thereof by thecomputer system 1400, with the main memory 1404 and the processor 1402also constituting machine-readable media.

The instructions 1424 may further be transmitted or received over anetwork 1426 via the network interface device 1420 utilizing any one ofa number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP).

While the machine-readable medium 1422 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions 1424. The term“machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium thatis capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions 1424for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform anyone or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure, or that iscapable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures utilized by orassociated with such a set of instructions 1424. The term“machine-readable medium” shall, accordingly, be taken to include, butnot be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magneticmedia.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A kiosk comprising: a computer processor; an input device coupled to the computer processor; an electronic display unit coupled to the computer processor; a plurality of compartments; and a communication port coupled to the computer processor, the communication port operable to couple the computer processor to a data communications network and a network-based transaction system; the computer processor operable to: receive, via the input device, an input indicating a return of an item from a buyer of the item to a seller of the item; determine a size of the item based on an identification of the item in the input at the kiosk that was originally used by the seller to receive the item; identify an available compartment from the plurality of compartments based on the size of the item, the available compartment having dimensions capable of receiving the item; transmit an identification of the available compartment to the buyer via the electronic display unit; and enable access to the available compartment by the buyer.
 2. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is operable to: transmit an unlock code to the buyer via the electronic display unit.
 3. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is further configured to: receive, via the input device, an input indicating a request to access the item being returned by the buyer from the seller of the item; provide the identification of the available compartment to the seller via the electronic display unit; and enable access to the available compartment by the seller.
 4. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is further configured to: receive, from the seller of the item, a request to access the item being returned by the buyer; provide the identification of the available compartment to the seller of the item; and enable access to the available compartment by the seller.
 5. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is further configured to: provide the identification of the available compartment to a device of the seller of the item; receive, from the device of the seller of the item, a request to access the item being returned by the buyer; and enable access to the available compartment by the seller.
 6. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the available compartment comprises a weight scale.
 7. The kiosk of claim 6, wherein the computer processor is further configured to: validating that the item being returned is located in the available compartment based on a weight provided by the weight scale.
 8. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is operable to receive a listing from a remote device over the data communications network.
 9. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the listing comprises a description of the item and an image of the item.
 10. The kiosk of claim 1, comprising a camera coupled to the computer processor.
 11. A method comprising: receiving, via an input device of a kiosk, an input indicating a return of an item from a buyer of the item to a seller of the item; determining a size of the item based on an identification of the item in the input at the kiosk that was originally used by the seller to receive the item; identifying an available compartment from a plurality of compartments of the kiosk based on the size of the item, the available compartment having dimensions capable of receiving the item; transmitting an identification of the available compartment to the buyer via an electronic display unit of the kiosk; and enabling access to the available compartment by the buyer.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transmitting an unlock code to the buyer via the electronic display unit.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving, via the input device, an input indicating a request to access the item being returned by the buyer from the seller of the item; providing the identification of the available compartment to the seller via the electronic display unit; and enabling access to the available compartment by the seller.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving, from the seller of the item, a request to access the item being returned by the buyer; providing the identification of the available compartment to the seller of the item; and enabling access to the available compartment by the seller.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing the identification of the available compartment to a device of the seller of the item; receiving, from the device of the seller of the item, a request to access the item being returned by the buyer; and enabling access to the available compartment by the seller.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the available compartment comprises a weight scale.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: validating that the item being returned is located in the available compartment based on a weight provided by the weight scale.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving a listing of the item from a remote device over a data communications network.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the listing comprises a description of the item and an image of the item.
 20. A system comprising: one or more processors; and a non-transitory memory storing instructions that configure the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, via an input device of a kiosk, an input indicating a return of an item from a buyer of the item to a seller of the item; determining a size of the item based on an identification of the item in the input at the kiosk that was originally used by the seller to receive the item; identifying an available compartment from a plurality of compartments of the kiosk based on the size of the item, the available compartment having dimensions capable of receiving the item; transmitting an identification of the available compartment to the buyer via an electronic display unit of the kiosk; and enabling access to the available compartment by the buyer. 